Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has signed an agreement with top energy group Nuclearelectrica for bilateral cooperation within the nuclear energy sector to support the growth of this critical energy source.
The objective of the MoU is to provide both parties with an enabling framework for potential collaboration on the development and expansion of nuclear energy programmes in the UAE and Romania, as well as within Central and Eastern Europe, said a statement from ENEC.
Nuclear energy is recognised by both the UAE and Romania as an essential clean energy resource in accelerating decarbonisation of the power sector and other heavy industries, as well as wider applications including the production of clean hydrogen and other clean molecules, as well as for water desalination.
As per the deal, ENEC and Nuclearelectrica will work together to assess potential partnerships in operations and maintenance support of nuclear energy plants, capacity building and human capital development, as well as synergies in research and development (R&D).
In early July 2021, ENEC and EDF signed a nuclear energy R&D MoU and, in early October 2022, Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Plant was successfully connected to the UAE power grid.
The two parties will share experience in developing financing and commercial frameworks of nuclear programmes, as well as exchanging knowledge on project management capabilities, it added.
ENEC Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi said: “Our partnership with Nuclearelectrica reaffirms our commitment to advancing Net Zero nuclear globally. As more and more nations recognise the crucial role nuclear energy plays as a proven solution to boosting domestic energy security and in parallel decarbonising the power sector, as well as heavy industry through the generation of heat, steam and clean hydrogen, international partnerships will become even more critical to accelerating the development of nuclear programmes. Our nation has benefited from long-term investments in nuclear energy, which supports economic diversification and sustainable development.”
He added, “With three commercially operational reactors at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, we are generating abundant clean electricity 24/7, sustainably powering the UAE, whilst inspiring a new generation of climate change champions. Meanwhile, the deal with Nuclearelectrica will see Enec explore opportunities to grow its global nuclear fleet and ensure reliable and sustainable operations, in addition to sharing knowledge on advanced technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced technologies.”
Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita concluded, “Over the past years, the nuclear industry has proven that development, technological advancement and timely implementation are a direct consequence of international cooperation, involvement at the level of governmental and non-governmental organisations, operators and partner entities.”
In early October 2022, Inspire marked five million man-hours with zero LTI at the Barakah Nuclear Plant.
The nuclear industry is a strategic resource in countries with a tradition of high technology research and expertise, or in countries that consider the development of nuclear capabilities as a solution to various environmental or energy system challenges.